MOTIVATION FOR VOLUNTARY BLOOD DONATION – THE NEED FOR PRE-COLLEGE COUNSELLING

Voluntary blood donation is a crucial component of modern healthcare, yet many regions continue to face shortages due to insufficient participation, especially among the youth. This study explores the impact of pre-college counselling in enhancing students’ awareness, correcting misconceptions, and motivating them to become future voluntary blood donors. Conducted among higher secondary and polytechnic students in the Sivagangai district of Tamil Nadu, the research employed pre- and post-counselling surveys, interactive awareness sessions, and group discussions to assess changes in knowledge, attitudes, and willingness to donate. The results demonstrated a significant improvement in students’ understanding of blood donation procedures and eligibility, along with a notable shift in attitudes—marked by reduced fear and increased altruism. Most importantly, there was a considerable rise in the number of students expressing willingness to donate blood voluntarily in the future. These findings highlight the value of introducing structured counselling programs before college as a proactive strategy to build a well-informed and socially responsible pool of future donors. Early educational interventions not only address immediate gaps in donor recruitment but also ensure long-term sustainability in blood supply through youth engagement.